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The SchoolsCompared Festive Holidays and Christmas Gift Guide 2022: Teacher recommendations – and ours too!
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Looking for festive and Christmas gift inspiration this holiday season? With so many options available – and so many competing priorities – it can be hard to know where to start. Should you be aiming for the educational, STEAM-inspired gadget or erudite book that will get their brain cells whirring? Or should you just give up and gift them the screen time and sugar-high that they actually want?

It’s a tricky balance, says David Flint, Principal of South View School in Dubai:

“It’s about a little bit of both! It is important to educate but not indoctrinate or brainwash.  The balance between recreation and learning and linking both is valuable and, where possible should be taken advantage of.”

As you browse the aisles (or websites) through reams of disposable plastic, flashy, trend-led toys, it’s hard not to be dazzled by some of the amazing playthings on offer. But it’s important to try to be mindful when choosing presents, and try to stick to some core values to guide your purchasing choices if possible, advises Mr Flint:

“Choice needs to be based on the values and priorities of the family but the questions I would ask is ‘what messages does this send in terms of construct, theme and suggestion?’ ‘Is this of potential value or just a distraction or, worse, is it potentially damaging?’”

At the same time, if you’re choosing your child’s gift based on its potential to get him or her into Oxbridge or Harvard, you’ve probably gone too far, adds Flint:

“I think that if your sole aim is to get your child into Harvard or a like institution, I think that you need to question your true motives. If those motives are truly in your child’s best interests (their, best interests) then you need to be really sure you really know your child and their ambitions and interests.”

“Ability manifests itself in many ways.  If your child is brilliant mathematically, then the aim is to enable them to develop their mathematical skills further which, in turn could lead to an option to study at a top university.  However, making the named university place the aim is like going into business with the aim of making enough money to buy a superyacht, rather than excelling at a business you are passionate about, which brings financial reward.”

We’ve trawled through the top ten toys lists, delved into the top-ten-book shelves, and spoken to UAE teachers and experts to bring you an educationalist-approved, more mindful gift guide this festive season 2022.

The SchoolsCompared Festive Gift Guide 2022

Our Editors’ choice – The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse – The Animated Story by Charlie Mackesy

Best Christmas Presents 2022 - The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse by Charles Mackesy - The Animated Story in associating with the BBC

The most beautiful, and beautifully illustrated, book ever written? Coming to the BBC this Christmas, you decide…

There are now two versions of this remarkable book – and we cannot work out which we prefer. They are both the stuff of wonder. The messaging could not be more perfect for the time of year (it’s extraordinarily moving and inspiring) – and the illustrations beyond-words beautiful.

The BBC (iPlayer) and Apple TV will both be bringing the book to life this Christmas with an award-winning cast of actors including Tom Hollander as ‘the mole’, Idris Elba OBE as ‘the fox’, Gabriel Byrne as ‘the horse’ and newcomer Jude Coward Nicoll as ‘the boy’. The book is short on words and big on meaning, so is suitable for children (and adults!) of all ages. It’s a wow! You can purchase the newly illustrated version from Amazon here, or the original here. It can also be purchased in Chinese translation here and Korean translation here, Sadly no Arabic translation yet….

Wonderbly personalised books

Principal of South View School, David Flint, says that three things come to mind when thinking of festive presents: “1) Books 2) Book and 3) Book.”

The teaching team at The English College Dubai all fully agree. Their recommendation for a teacher-approved festive gift was Wonderbly personalised books:

“With Wonderbly personalised books, you can choose your favourite story, your child will become the main character, and you can involve other family members! The books are engaging and interactive and cater to different age ranges.”

There are a brilliant range of different options; from personalised nursery rhyme books that incorporate your child’s name into the lyrics, to Where’s Wally-style interactive books starring mini avatars of grandpa/ grandma, to empowering books where children become the hero of their own success story, there is something for every member of the family.

Prices vary depending on the design, if you order express shipping now there is still time for them to arrive before Christmas!

Wonderbly personalised books, prices vary, Wonderbly.com

Spirograph

Retro ‘80s and ‘90s toys are all the rage this year, with Style Me doll heads and Hot Wheels cars all seeing a comeback to the top of the bestselling toy charts this season. Spirographs are another nostalgic toy, which can be enjoyed by younger and older children alike, with the scope to simply doodle meditatively, or create intricate and technically challenging art works. The original Spirograph debuted in 1965, and this 2022 introduces some fancy new shapes into the mix for even more impressive designs.

The Original Spirograph, Dh99, buy online.

Kingdomino

This new board game has already gained a cult following in Dubai, with tournaments being held at board-games stores and cafes across the city. And it’s easy to see why – the 2 -4 player game engages the whole family in a fun and dynamic strategy puzzle that makes for the perfect synapse-tingling activity over the festive season. Suitable for children from 7 upwards, this dominoes-inspired game uses the same two-sectioned tiles and transports them into a vivid, lake and mountain-filled imaginary world in which every player is a lord seeking new lands to expand their kingdom.

Kingdomino, from Dh100, Back to Games

Rock tumbler

Part of the National Geographic STEM series, this rock tumbler makes it fun and easy to turn rough rocks into beautifully polished gemstones. Encouraging children to engage with the natural world as they collect stones or shells on the beach, they can then turn them into amazing, shiny gems using the durable tumbler, grit, strainer and rock polisher that comes with the kit.

National Geographic Rock Tumbler, Dh300, Amazon

Magna-Tiles

There’s a reason that Magna-Tiles have become such a premium, cult product over the years; these tactile magnetic construction tiles always connect no matter how you choose to join them together, and the open-ended way that their flat shapes becomes 3D creations makes for a spatial challenge that keeps things interesting for those aged from 3 years old, all the way up to 99 years old and beyond. This kit includes 100 translucent, colorful shapes including squares (4 large, 50 small) and triangles (20 equilateral, 11 right, 15 isosceles), and is a great way to develop maths, science, spatial and tactile skills (trust us, it’s exactly these sorts of skills that will come in useful in some of the CAT4 tests and similar that school children do). These durable tiles made with food-grade ABS (BPA FREE) from plastic that is free of phthalates and latex.

Magna-Tiles 100 piece Set, Dh561.75, Mumzworld

Second Editors’ Choice – LEGO®

Of course, there is too much plastic in the world. BUT, the eternal joy of LEGO®, particularly in a year we are celebrating the wonders of the Arts (imagination, creativity…) as vital to STEM in the Top Schools Awards 2023-24, means we think this is one time of the year we can go easy on ourselves and our rightful worries about sustainability.

The LEGO Father Christmas Santa and his reindeers is hard to find in time for Xmas, but the Christmas Cottage comes with Santa and can still be found on Amazon here. This can be built on year-on-year to make your own Winter Village. You can even add a LEGO® train set to go around it and your tree!

DIY Arabian Playhouse

Every kid loves fort-building, and there’s nothing better to inspire children’s imaginations than with a DIY playhouse that they can build and colour in themselves. There are all sorts of designs, but this one by Eezee Doodles is crafted to look like a traditional Arabic hoe. UAE houses in the past were sustainably designed and specially made to allow cooling within without the need for air conditioning. This comes with a free set of watercolour pens.

Eezee Doodle UAE Traditional House, Dh242, Eggs & Soldiers

Marble Run

Children can while away hours tinkering with the angles, slopes and connections as they construct a complex runway for their marbles and watch as they disappear into the columns, chutes, paddle wheels and roundabout.

Galt Super Marble Run Game (60 Pieces), Dh209, Toys R Us MENA

Wobbel Pro

Described by Vogue magazine as “the balance board with a cult following”, Wobbel boards are crafted from sustainable European beech wood and make the ideal open-ended-play toy for children (and adults) of all ages. With its origins in Waldorf schools, these versatile boards are loved by educationalists for their childhood development benefits, as well as by stylish parents and social-media mums, who adore their sleek Scandinavian design. It can be used as a balance board, but it is also a reading nook, a pirate ship, a bridge for toy trains, a bed for dolls, a slide and a tunnel for a soldier to crawl through. The possibilities are endless! The NEW Wobbel Pro is the big sister to the Original Wobbel. and is suitable for children all the way up to 7; older kids and adults go advance to the Wobbel XL. Physically, the Wobbel supports building strength, co-ordination, balance, mobility and motor skills, while its open-ended nature make it perfect for any gender and any age.

Wobbel Pro, Dh665, Harri & Eve

Crafting Loom

Great for either boys or girls and catering to all skill levels (although it’s best for children aged 3 years and above), this loom also includes three picture tapestries to weave. With its easy-to-use adjustable frame, oversize wooden needle and generous 91 yards of rainbow wool, kids can choose to make a scarf, a tasseled coaster, a drawstring pouch, a crafty carry-all or whatever they design themselves.

Melissa & Doug – Multi-Craft Weaving Loom, Dh217.50, Mumzworld

Djeco

This 28 piece chain reaction construction set is a great introduction toy to learn STEM concepts such as gravity, force and momentum, and how they can create a chain reaction. This 28 piece set with wooden dominoes, balls and components will inspire creativity and build skills like perseverance, STEM problem solving and critical thinking. Combine sets from the full range and see how big of a circuit you can create. Best for age 7 and above.

DJECO – Zig & Go, Dh169, Mumzworld

Julia Donaldson Story Sack

Bring classic children’s stories to life with EYFS-inspired story sacks filled with props and toys made from natural materials to support the learning from the story. This brilliant Julia Donaldson book is brought to life with handmade wooden characters that your child can enjoy & unleash their creativity through open-ended play this Christmas and throughout the year. Suitable for ages 2-6 years.

The Snail And The Whale Story Sack by Kojokaru Toys, Dh289, Saffron Souk

Last, but not least… Our Final Editors’ Choice

 

 

The combination of reading and a toy is the holy grail of perfect presents – and Tonies come close, particularly now with titles like The Gruffalow joining the broad array of titles for this story-telling wonder. It comes in a host of colours from Pink to Blue and Red with a choice of starter kits. Parents can even record their own stories (or singing!) onto the cute little device – and it really helps with getting little ones to sleep. It’s suitable for ages from 3 years because of the characters, but placed carefully it could be a lifeline for younger ones too. It requires absolutely no screen time from little ones, although parents do need to set up on an app. And with characters from the Night Garden and Peppa to Disney favourites and Paddington, there is so much to add interest. There is even a Tonie Father Christmas! We think it’s fabulous!

What’s trending? Toy bestsellers this Festive and Christmas Season 2022

Wondering what’s all the rage for kids and teens this year? Top toy stores have shared their bestselling items this festive period.

Amazon

The online retailer has predicted that these will be their bestselling toys this Christmas:

  1. Squishmallows Toy
  2. Pictionary Air Star Wars Family Drawing Game
  3. Learning Resources MathLink Cubes Numberblocks
  4. CRAYOLA Colour ‘n’ Style Mermaid Friends: Hair Braiding Salon Playset
  5. Throw Throw Avocado by Exploding Kittens
  6. PLAYMOBIL City Life Recycling Truck
  7. Melissa & Doug Super Smile Dentist Kit
  8. Jurassic World Ocean Protector Mosasaurus Dinosaur Action Figure
  9. Osmo – Little Genius Starter Kit
  10. LEGO Friends Horse Show Trailer

John Lewis

The famous UK retailer may have closed its UAE-based branch, but it will still deliver to the UAE, and its top-ten gift list makes for some useful inspiration for Christmas and the New Year

  1. Jiggly Pets pink pup
  2. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse. The Book and The Film – New Book Launch
  3. John Lewis Wooden Pizzeria
  4. I’m a Stylist Styling Head Ella, Dh457
  5. Vtech JotBot (The Smart Drawing Robot)
  6. Le Mieux Pony
  7. John Lewis Wooden Workbench
  8. LEGO Creator Expert 10293 Santa’s Visit
  9. Hot Wheels Garage exclusive bundle with the Hot Wheels 20 car pack
  10. Play-Doh Ice Cream Cart

Hamleys

The epic toy store, which has a presence in Dubai Mall, has released its top holiday and Christmas gifts for the festive season

  1. XShot – Skins the Last Stand
  2. Playdoh Ice Cream Truck
  3. Roller Disco Peppa
  4. CoComelon Boo Boo JJ Doll
  5. One Trick Pony Game
  6. Disney Lightyear JetPack Buzz
  7. Barbie Cutie Reveal Doll
  8. Hamley Bear Panda Plush
  9. Tick Tock Brick Knock
  10. Jumping Sumo

Last wishes

A very, very Happy Christmas, and all wonderful seasonal wishes over this holiday season for all those who do not celebrate Christmas, from all of us at SchoolsCompared.

© SchoolsCompared.com. A WhichMedia Group publication. 2022. All rights reserved.

About The Author
Editorial Team
Live news and in-depth reviews reporting from the SchoolsCompared.com editorial and news desk teams reporting from London and the UAE. The SchoolsCompared Editorial Team combines more than a century of global experience in journalism. To contact us with news in confidence please email [email protected].

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